Cuban actor Luis Alberto García Novoa has spoken out following the recent arrest of academic and activist Alina Bárbara López Hernández in Matanzas. In a powerful message, he questioned the moral authority of those responsible for her detention.
"Aren't you ashamed to repeatedly imprison and mistreat a Cuban woman who stands on the same level as Mariana Grajales?" García expressed on his Facebook page, addressing the ongoing repression faced by the historian.
His statement went beyond solidarity. García invoked historical references and cultural nods, cleverly paraphrasing lines from Pequeña serenata diurna by Silvio Rodríguez. "I am certain that I do not 'live in a free country as only a free country can be,' nor 'on this land and in this moment' where there is no happiness of mine that can be forgiven by some of the deceased," he penned, reinterpreting parts of the well-known song.
García Novoa emphasized López Hernández's right to peaceful protest, asserting her actions do not fit any criminal profile. He described her as "a good person, brilliant, lucid, a 'woman of stature' often borne by these reefs," and reminded that she exercises her right "protected by a Charter, which now barely retains its 'Magma,' as it is joyfully disrespected."
He appealed to the civic virtues of historical Cuban figures and criticized the state's response: "...she exercises her right to express her views with decency and decorum, emulating the civility of Varela, Mendive, Martí, Villena, Chibás, and even the young Castro, and you target her for sitting silently on a park bench in Matanzas (thunderous silence)? Without possessing explosives or signs inciting rebellion, breaking windows, or attacking law enforcement?"
The criticism intensified as he stated, "The true dissidents of that popular jubilation of 1959 have turned out to be you."
García also brought the issue to a personal and generational level: "With such persistent, sad, and pathetic actions, it is impossible to pass on to my daughters the true meanings of Homeland, Ethics, Morality, and Justice."
He continued, "I may have sometimes been a bit fearful, but there is a GREATER fear that would be UNFORGIVABLE: teaching them to be cowards."
His message concluded with a decisive, "Stop."
The actor's statement came after López Hernández was detained on February 18 with activist Leonardo Romero Negrín while heading to Matanzas' Freedom Park for a monthly civic protest. They were held for 12 hours and charged with "disrespect," charges they denied. López Hernández recounted that Lieutenant Colonel Rogelio Cuesta Aragón warned her she was "on the brink" of being accused of "inciting delinquency."
Additionally, her previous house arrest on charges of "attempted assault," whose trial was postponed without explanation, was reiterated. Following her protest, she intended to submit a letter to the Municipal Assembly requesting attention to a citizen petition for an amnesty law, presented to the Cuban Parliament on February 4.
This isn't the first time García has defended López Hernández publicly. When she was expelled from the UNEAC for political reasons, García deemed it a "flagrant injustice" and a "grave mistake," sparking reactions among intellectuals. He also opposed the arrest of young Kamil Zayas Pérez, part of the independent project El4tico, stating, "It's terrible to imprison ideas, whatever they may be," following a police operation in Holguín against youth expressing criticism of the authorities.
The recent post drew hundreds of reactions on social media. Comments included, "Thank you for being the voice of those who can't speak," "Freedom for Alina," "Thinking differently is not a crime," and "It's unacceptable to treat a woman who protests peacefully like this." Others highlighted the symbolic weight of her protest and questioned why sitting in a park could be criminalized.
As of now, authorities have not provided an official statement regarding the latest detention or clarified if the new allegations will lead to another judicial process.
Key Questions on Cuban Activism and State Repression
Who is Alina Bárbara López Hernández?
Alina Bárbara López Hernández is a Cuban academic and activist known for her peaceful protests and activism in Matanzas. She has been detained multiple times by the Cuban authorities for her actions.
What rights is Luis Alberto García defending?
Luis Alberto García is defending the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, emphasizing that these actions do not constitute criminal behavior.
Why was López Hernández detained?
López Hernández was detained for participating in a monthly civic protest and was charged with "disrespect," which she denies. Authorities have threatened further charges of "inciting delinquency."